Comparative Study on salivary microscrystallization indices of patients suffering from dental fluorosis

Authors: S. Stoleriu, G. Iovan, S. Andrian, G Pancu

Abstract:

The purpose of this study was the assessment of the salivary microcrystallization indices of patients suffering from various degrees of dental fluorosis. Material and method. The study group included 63 patients suffering from various degrees of dental fluorosis (according to the Thylstrup-Fejerskov classification), divided into 8 categories, according to fluorosis severity. The control group comprised 63 randomly selected patients who did not suffer from dental fluorosis. We collected nonstimulated saliva from each patient in a test tube and the same amount of saliva (0.5ml) was placed on a glass plate. The preparation thus obtained was dried for 30 minutes in a thermostat at +37oC, and then studied using a Nikon Eclipse E 600 microscope. The images were saved and stored on a computer, and the IMK index was determined. The data on microcrystallization index assessment depending fluorosis severity underwent a statistical analysis using the Kruskal-Wallis non-parametric method. Results. The mean salivary microcrystallization index values ranged from 3.62 in the 1st and 2nd degree fluorosis group to 3.87 in the 3rd degree, 3.78 in the 4th degree, 4.25 in the 5th degree, 3.75 in the 6th degree and 2.36 in the 7th and 8th degree fluorosis groups (fig.2). The mean IMK index was 3.71 in the control group.